7 Ways to Stay Cool—and Save Money—This Summer

As temperatures soar in the summer, it's tempting to crank up the air conditioning. But while you cool off indoors, your bank account—and the environment—could be taking the heat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household spends $420 annually on cooling its home, and wasted energy contributes needlessly to the approximately 25,500 pounds of carbon dioxide the average home creates each year. That doesn't mean you should sweat it out this summer, though. Instead, be smart about cooling your home. You'll save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

As temperatures soar in the summer, it's tempting to crank up the air conditioning. But while you cool off indoors, your bank account—and the environment—could be taking the heat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household spends $420 annually on cooling its home, and wasted energy contributes needlessly to the approximately 25,500 pounds of carbon dioxide the average home creates each year. That doesn't mean you should sweat it out this summer, though. Instead, be smart about cooling your home. You'll save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

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11. Install and Set a Programmable Thermostat

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It doesn't make sense to have the a/c cooling your house while you're not there. Sure, you could switch it off on your way out, but it's no fun coming home to a hot and stuffy house. Set a programmable thermostat to a few degrees warmer for when you're out, and then have it cool the house to a comfortable temperature about an hour before you get home. Installing a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 a year in cooling costs.

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22. Seal Leaks and Insulate Ducts

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Leaks in your home's building envelope and its HVAC ducts allow precious cool air to escape, overworking your a/c. Sealing major leaks can improve the efficiency of your system by up to 20 percent. Start by plugging gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping. If needed, caulk under baseboards and install foam backing behind outlet covers. Try to locate drafts in more inconspicuous areas, such as attics and basements, and seal them with caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping. If you can access your HVAC ducts, fix any leaky seams with duct tape, foil tape, or duct mastic. Insulating ducts in areas that get hot in the summer, such as garages and crawl spaces, will further increase your system's efficiency.

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33. Maintain the Air Filters

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The EPA recommends checking the air filters in your HVAC system every month. If they're dirty, replace them right away. Dirty filters slow airflow and make the system work harder, which in time can lead to costly maintenance or system failure. Plan to replace air filters at least once every three months, the EPA says, to keep dirt and dust out of your system.

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44. Maintain Your HVAC Equipment Regularly

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Cleaning your cooling system's evaporator and condenser air-conditioner coils, checking its refrigerant level, and adjusting its blower components will ensure it performs at optimal levels. Proper maintenance, in addition to annual tuneups, will save you money in the long run, because it'll be less likely that you'll need to make major repairs. Energy Star has a checklist to help you keep your system running at peak performance during busy summer months.

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55. Make Good Use of a Ceiling Fan

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A ceiling fan will allow you to turn up the a/c a few degrees with no perceptible difference in how cool the room feels. During the summer make sure the fan is spinning counter-clockwise so that it creates a downward airflow. This produces a windchill effect and stirs up the denser cool air near the floor. Keep in mind that a fan does not lower the temperature of the room—it simply cools the people in it by about 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn it off when leaving the room.

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66. Keep the Inside of Your Home Shaded

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Making your home as shady as possible will keep the temperature down, so close curtains, blinds, and shades before heading out for the day. For extra shade, install awnings and place potted trees and plants in front of windows in sun-drenched areas.

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77. Install More Energy-Efficient Lighting

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According to the EPA, compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) produce 75 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs, and can help keep room temperature down. CFLs and LEDs also consume less energy. And you won't be fumbling around in the dark either: A 23- to 30-watt Energy Star–approved bulb will produce the same amount of light as a 100-watt incandescent. That extra efficiency helps reduce your home's energy usage, saving you money in the long run.

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